EV3 Programmer App Support

Need help with the EV3 Programmer App?If you are looking for device requirements, app download info, frequently asked questions or customer support, you've come to the right place!

ABOUT

The EV3 Programmer App gives you the freedom to program your LEGO MINDSTORMS robot wirelessly, anywhere, anytime! The app is designed for use with LEGO MINDSTORMS (31313) and is not a standalone experience.

SUPPORTED DEVICES

In order for the EV3 Programmer App to work on your tablet, your tablet needs to meet certain requirements. The requirements regard both the operating system (OS) and the type of device you have:

iPad

Minimum supported OS: iOS: iOS 8.0

Supported devices: iPad 2 or later

Android tablet

Recommended Android devices:

- Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8

- Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1

- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1

- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7

- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

- Samsung Galaxy Tab S

- Amazon Kindle Fire HDX

- Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9"

- Google Nexus 9

- Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (8")

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD

Once you have confirmed that your tablet meets the minimum system requirements, open the App Store (if you have an iPad) or Google Play (if you have an Android tablet) while on your tablet device, then search for the free app – LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Programmer – and install it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does the app feature?

The EV3 Programmer App features building missions, videos and building instructions for the five starter robots that you can build with the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 (31313) set. The app also features the programming canvas, a space where you can move beyond instructions and create your own programs and robot behaviors.

What blocks are available in the app?

The EV3 Programmer App features the 11 most popular blocks from the PC/Mac software:

Action blocks (green)

Flow blocks (orange)

The app does not feature the same range of LEGO MINDSTORMS programming capabilities as the PC/Mac software as this also includes sensor blocks, data operations blocks, advanced blocks and the opportunity to create your own blocks (My Blocks).

What other differences are there, comparing the app and the PC/Mac software?

Other than featuring a smaller set of programming blocks compared to the PC/Mac software, the app does not include:

Data wires

Content editor

Graphic environment (as known from the LEGO Education programming software)

Does the app feature building instructions?

Yes, the EV3 Programmer App features building instructions (PDF) for the five starter robots: R3PTAR, TRACK3R, EV3RSTORM, SPIK3R and GRIPP3R.

You can find an additional 12 building instructions on the “Build a robot” section of the website and further inspiration from the community in the Gallery section.

Can the EV3 programs I create with the EV3 app also be used in the EV3 desktop software?

Yes, they can. Even though the file formats on the app and desktop software are different, you can export app programs to the desktop software and continue to work on them there. However, and important to note is that you cannot share EV3 programs from the desktop software with the EV3 app as the app does not feature the full set of blocks.

Why did LEGO develop the EV3 Programmer App?

With the EV3 Programmer App, we wanted to create a playful, accessible and convenient programming starter experience to a new generation of users, while at the same time adding play value for the existing fan base.

GETTING STARTED

For help getting started, check out our “Learn to program” page where you will be able to find quick video guides on how to create your first program using the EV3 Programmer App.

HELP FOR BLUETOOTH CONNECTION

Need help with the Bluetooth connection between your tablet device and your EV3?
Here are some tips that we hope can help you:

In the EV3 Programmer App, there are three places where you can start up a Bluetooth connection between your tablet and EV3 P-brick:

Start Block (on the programming canvas)

No Brick Connected icon (in the top right hand corner of the programming canvas)

Available Bricks button (on the Hardware page)

When clicking on any of the above, a 'Connect EV3 Brick to Tablet' dialog box appears with connection instructions. Once done and the blue Connect button is clicked, a small empty 'Select An Accessory' dialog box appears. This indicates that your tablet is searching for any available EV3 Bricks. If your tablet and EV3 Brick have not been connected before, this may take a minute. Please don’t close the dialog box.

When your EV3 Brick appears as available, select it and click 'Pair'. Confirm the pairing on your EV3 Brick. After a few seconds, your EV3 Brick and iPad should be connected.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your EV3 Brick is not listed in the 'Select An Accessory' dialog box, please make sure Bluetooth is enabled and visible on your EV3 Brick and that you have checked the 'iPhone/iPad/iPod' mode as shown below.

If your EV3 P-brick still does not appear in the 'Select An Accessory' dialog box, try to connect your EV3 P-brick to your tablet from the Settings menu on your tablet by using the following steps:

Go to Settings >> Bluetooth

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and let your tablet search for a minute or until your EV3 Brick is listed under My Devices

Select your EV3 Brick and click 'Pair'

Confirm the pairing on your EV3 Brick

After a few seconds your tablet and EV3 Brick should be connected

You can now go back to the EV3 Programmer App. The app will automatically target the EV3 Brick you just connected if this EV3 Brick is the only one connected to your tablet